[IC] A Game of Heirs

[Takashi]

The first seventeen years of Aroi Tetsuo's life were full of comfort and prosperity. His face had very soft features, giving him a youthful appearance, but his sensei had ensured that he built a strong body. He spent most of his days studying the ways of both war and peace. His uncle, Aroi Keiji, was an expert in the art of war, and had obtained a vast region for his family to rule over, however, due to his Lord's success, Tetsuo had never been called on to defend the land, nor had Tetsuo asked for such an honor. The Aroi armies were a force to be reckoned with, and no lord would take a conflict with the Aroi clan lightly. This being the case, though Tetsuo was trained both in the use of a blade and in military tactics, he had yet to see a real fight.

As a boy, Tetsuo was praised by his elders for his command of courtesy and exhibited decorum beyond his years. His servants, though he never let them overstep the bounds of decorum, were treated with respect and rewarded often. However, once Tetsuo could no longer be considered his child, his father, Aroi Shingo, imparted these words onto him: "You have grown into a capable and virtuous man, but virtue alone will not suffice for a ruler of these lands. Your heart is too soft, and any enemies that will inevitably appear in your life will have their blades to your throat before you even consider drawing your own. I have not requested that my brother give you an army because I know I would lose a son, not for lack of competence, but for lack of spirit. There are times for compassion, but there are also times for ferocity. You have done nothing for which I may reprimand you, but as your father I must tell you that if you do not harden your heart, the world will harden it for you. My brother has been fortunate. One turn of bad fortune will mean his responsibilities become mine, which will in turn may fall to you one day. Be prepared for that day."

Tetsuo regarded his father's words highly and was grateful for the advice, but he knew not how to abide by it. His father saw that his son's heart was still soft, and so he began to turn control of Ido castle over to Tetsuo little by little. He would not send his son to battle, but perhaps there were lessons that the young man could learn through domestic responsibility. A disrespectful guest could be a challenge as great as a rival general after all. So it was the Tetsuo, under his father's supervision, came to be the handler of all of Ido Castle's economic and domestic affairs. By age seventeen, Shingo was lord of the estate only in name and was not the least bit worried for the affairs in the event of his untimely passing. Now Tetsuo was ready for his next challenge...

"How are the preparations for the Nakashima family's visit coming?" Shingo asked.

Tetsuo replied, "We are missing only the family in question."

"That is good," his father said, and then with a subtle grin continued, "but there is one thing in the letter that I forgot to mention..." Since Tetsuo was still technically not in charge of the castle, all letters were addressed to Shingo, and in accordance with decorum he would be the one to read the letters, then simply relay the information to his son, but for the Nakashima family's letter he made an exception. "I will be entertaining Nakashima-san, as will my wife his. You are relieved of that responsibility. However, I forgot to tell you that their daughter will be accompanying them. She will be your responsibility. See to it that she is comfortable and enjoys her stay. Ah, and Nakashima-san has given you permission to court her if you wish." Shingo deliberately understated Nakashima's "permission;" in fact, the letter was an outright marriage offer, but he felt that information would make things too easy for his son. If Tetsuo was not fit for one battlefield, then he would be tried in another. Shingo had respectfully written back that they would "consider" the offer, but left the matter at that.

Tetsuo was caught completely off-guard by this information. His father had mentioned that there would be three guests, but not that a daughter would be among them. And he had permission to court her? How could his father forget such an important piece of information? It would completely change the dynamics of their acquaintance. At this point, he wouldn't even have time to prepare a proper poem! But Tetsuo refused to let himself appear flustered. "Yes father," he said quickly, bowing in acknowledgement. Then, he dared to ask a question. "Do you believe that we ought to unite the Nakashima family with ours?"

Shingo gave a small laugh in response. "I'd like to see what you think."

[Taunt]

Nakashima Chiharu was the youngest of three, aged only sixteen when her father, Nakashima Shigeru, approached her, smiling widely, letter in hand. “Otou-san.” Shooing her cousin, she shuffled aside, allowing him to sit aside her on the engawa. “What is it?” She asked. “You’re awfully excited.”

“Chiharu. You are a fine woman, gentle and diligent. Your mother and I have spoken, and we have decided that you are ready to marry,” Shigeru said, his single eye glittering. She had never dared to ask why he had lost the other; her father was an extremely private man. Indeed, he remained a mystery to even her mother, Nakashima Rie. Sensing he had more to say, she remained silent, biting the inside of her cheek. “We have been blessed with an audience with the Aroi family. My hope is that their nephew will take interest in you.” Shigeru grinned, resting a hand on her head. “My beautiful daughter.”

Chiharu smiled weakly. It was an honour—the Aroi were famous, decorated—but it was impossible what he expected of her. How could she fare against the Tanzo and the Karada? The Nakashima were an artisan family, and certainly not of wealth. Did her father truly believe that the Aroi would accept anything less? “I… I’m honoured,” she replied, skirting the issue. “But me? Surely, Kaede would be better suited…”

Shigeru clicked his tongue, climbing to his feet. His greying face held scorn for her reluctance. “The responsibility has fallen to you, Chiharu. We will be leaving tomorrow at dawn. Be ready.”

✿

Chiharu fidgeted as Rie combed her hair; her mother had insisted upon the hime cut, citing it fashionable. She guided Chiharu to her feet, looking her over with deep scrutiny. The resemblance between them was uncanny and, Chiharu was certain, a point of resentment for Rie. The silence was uncomfortable, heavy and suffocating, time crawling slowly as Rie adjusted what she thought out of place. She demanded no less than perfection, the pressure of meeting the Aroi ailing her patience. It was a welcome relief when she stepped back.

Chiharu’s kimono had been tailored for the occasion, made of fine silk with floral embroidery. She peered at her reflection; it was a work of art, far beyond what Kaede had received for her omiai. She faltered, spotting Rie’s frown in the glass, and bowed her head. “Sumimasen.”

“Really, where is your head?” Rie said. Chiharu stepped aside, surrendering the mirror to her mother and moving outside, face upturned. The sky was clear, promising good weather for their journey; if only the same could be said for her heart. She had never felt restraint, even as a child, her father’s doting ensuring she could do as she pleased. The thought of taking a husband, a stranger… It was far beyond understanding. But, she supposed, as her mother had imposed: “There is no room in this world for childish dreaming.”

✿

They arrived in the afternoon. A sly wind had come in from the east, bringing with it dark cloud and biting chill. The Aroi residence was larger than Chiharu had thought, easily thrice the size of their own. A retainer came to meet Shigeru, bowing deeply and inviting the family inside. The opulence was not lost on her, the full weight of her duty weighing heavily. How could she even dream of competing with women of higher nobility? They were guided to a tatami room, the retainer asking leave to fetch his lord. She felt a hand on her shoulder, Rie hissing a warning in her ear as they entered. Chiharu knelt on the floor, a hand on her lap and the other adjusting her hair, her heart in her throat. Her mother seated herself beside her, leaning close to conspire.

“Remember,” Rie said, face still as stone. “Men are simple. Charm them, and you will have them in your palm.”

“Yes, okaa-san.”

“Do not fail me.”

“No, okaa-san.”

[Takashi]

Tetsuo had managed to alter his preparations to accommodate the new information he had received from his father, but he was never comfortable arranging things in short notice, and he worried that he may have overlooked something. Although Tetsuo would never dare complain about such trifles, Shingo noticed a subtle change in his son's demeanor: the young man's confidence was beginning to waver ever so slowly. Shingo could not pass up this opportunity to tease his son. "I'm jealous of you," he said, approaching Tetsuo the morning the Nakashima family was scheduled to arrive. "I miss the days of reading poetry to pretty young women."

Tetsuo knew that his father wanted some kind of indignant objection; he would ensure that such satisfaction would be denied. "Mother will not listen to your poems?" he retorted.

"She knows them all already. It takes the fun out of reading them. You can only enjoy something for the first time once."

Tetsuo ruminated on his father's last sentence for a few moments, and then gave a respectful bow. "Thank you. I will keep that in mind when entertaining my guest." Tetsuo was still nervous, uncomfortable, but his confidence had returned. This was a social visit, not a matter of business; there was no excuse not to enjoy the day.

* * *

The Aroi family did not keep their guests waiting long, and arrived in the tatami room only a few minutes after the Nakashimas. Father and son both wore a deep blue kimono, the Aroi family crest displayed on the back in golden embroidery. Tetsuo carried himself with the dignity one expected from nobility, each footstep the result of an immaculate calculation. The lady of the household, Aroi Kaname, wore a kimono that flaunted dyes all of the brightest reds and oranges. Here hair appeared equally colorful as it was adorned with a jeweled headdress that could dwarf the wealth of an entire family on its own. For Kaname, there was no such thing as overkill when it came to her appearance.

"Welcome to Ido castle!" Shingo said in a courteous, but clearly friendly tone. The three took their seats across from the Nakshima family, Kaname facing Rie, Shingo facing Shigeru, and Tetsuo facing Chiharu. "It is an honor to have you here and I hope you enjoy your stay..."

As his father delivered their salutations, Tetsuo was free to take in his first glimpse of Chiharu. It was clear that she took great care in her appearance as nary a fold of her dress or a single strand of hair was out of place. He could easily call her beautiful, and it took some restraint not to break decorum with an inappropriate smile. His father was speaking, he should be listening. "...my wife Aroi Kaname, and my son..." No, his father was finished speaking. "Aroi Tetsuo," he said, introducing himself with a bow, just barely saving himself the embarrassment of missing his turn to speak. He was sure the guests would be utterly unaware, but he prayed that his father, sly as he was, hadn't noticed that brief hesitation; there would be no defense against the teasing later if this was the case.

Shingo continued the introduction. "My son has been taking on numerous responsibilities as of late. Although I am the lord of this estate, my son is the actual executor of all the affairs at Ido Castle. I have given him full authority to make any and all domestic and economic decisions without consulting me if he deems it wise, and thus far I have not regretted it. In fact, my life has become rather easy. But let me not belabor my own family's introduction. You have written to me about your family in our correspondence, but surely letters rife with business do not do them justice."

Tetsuo listened carefully now and adjusted his posture ever so slightly. This was their invitation to speak, and he did not want to let even one piece of information slip his mind, not on their first meeting. A crucial part of making a first impression was listening, and he was prepared to memorize an entire genealogy as they spoke if that was what it took. Also, if was was to seriously consider courting Chiharu, he would need to make sure that a relationship with the Nakashimas would be beneficial to the Aroi family.

[Taunt]

“We are grateful for your generosity. I am Nakashima Shigeru. My wife, Nakashima Rie, and my daughter, Nakashima Chiharu.”

Chiharu bowed, her hair falling forward to shield her face, and the small smile it held. She had imagined Aroi Tetsuo arrogant, as men his station often were. To find she had been mistaken… She sat with greater confidence as her father and Aroi Shingo spoke. If only the same could be said for her mother and Aroi Kaname. A sidelong glance confirmed her suspicion—Rie’s face was passive, but her gaze full of contempt. She recalled her mother, in the midst of fall, lamenting her youth and her greatest regret: to marry for love. She remember feeling pity, then, and a sense of understanding shared only between women. Lost in her thought, Chiharu caught only the end of the conversation, hiding her fluster behind her sleeve.

“…we are an artisan family. I take great pride in my work. I have painted a piece as a gift; I hope it is to your liking, my lord,” Shigeru said, matching Shingo easily in attitude. He had worked tirelessly, taking care with detail in the mountainous scene. Rie bowed deeply, offering a lacquer box covered with a fukusa. “My brother, Nakashima Takeru, has done well for himself, becoming a lord of his own estate. I, myself, have a small piece of land, but have chosen to lead a simple life.” It was a polite introduction, but entirely unremarkable. Chiharu swallowed. To mention her uncle was a desperate gamble.

“But let us get to the matter at hand. It would be an honour if you would consider my daughter,” Shigeru continued. He smiled pleasantly, his eye glinting with wicked plotting. “If you approve, my lord, it would be beneficial for them to speak in private.”

“Oto—” Chiharu, catching herself, remained still, but her heart continued to run wild in her chest. Even Rie had been caught off-guard; staring hard at the ground, her shoulder trembling. How quick silence was to descend upon them, the tension thick, near tangible. Remembering her mother’s advice, she looked up from beneath her lashes, with a voice warm as the sun, saying: “I-I would be flattered if Aroi-sama found me worthy.” She looked across at Tetsuo, catching his eye before she turned away, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

[Takashi]

Shingo accepted the gift graciously and returned Rie's gesture with a small bow of his own. He took a moment to appreciate the design on the fukusa, then proceeded to meticulously unwrap the gift and delicately open the box. A grin crossed Shingo's face once he saw the painting. "It is clear that you are a master of your craft," he said, admiring the elegant brushwork that radiated the Nakashima soul. "I shall have to find a place for this in my collection. Though, I hope this one does not make my Kose landscape jealous." Now that the greetings were finally done, Shigeru seemed eager to have their children get to know one another, and Shingo was happy to oblige. "Indeed, my son has been eager to meet her and I could hardly deny him the privilege."

Tetsuo's mind was abuzz with what he learned from the conversation. Apparently, Shigeru had given him more than just permission to court his daughter. Even Chiharu seemed to be caught off-guard, breaking decorum with what seemed to be the beginning of an objection. Clearly she was very nervous, and understandably so. From what he heard, she came from a modest artisan family with little notable wealth to their name. A visit to Ido Castle even simply as guests would have been intimidating for the likes of them, yet it was now clear that Chiharu was to be considered a potential wife. It was curious that his father would arrange such a meeting with a family of their status, and Aroi Shingo was not one to toy with a family's honor. Tetsuo could only assume that his father genuinely approved of the Nakashima family, perhaps for reasons that remained to be seen.

Chiharu, nervous as she was, struck Tetsuo as a kind and virtuous woman. By the sound of it, marrying into the Aroi family would increase their power and wealth manifold. He could easily overlook a small breach of decorum considering the kind of pressure that young woman must be under. "I would be honored if Nakashima-san would accompany me for the afternoon," he said, looking at Chiharu, and then stood up. "If you would be so kind as to follow me, we may talk more over some refreshments." With that, Tetsuo lead them down a hall that was decorated with numerous paintings. He decided that this would be an appropriate place to begin the conversation; as the daughter of a painter, she would likely have some knowledge of the topic. "I am sure that my father will greatly enjoy your family's gift," he said in a friendly tone that he hoped Chiharu would be comfortable with. "As you can see, my father has quite an extensive collection of paintings, and among them landscapes are his favorite. I'm sure the two of them will have plenty to talk about."

Of course, Tetsuo wanted to gear the conversation towards Chiharu and her interests, but at this point in time all he knew was her father's occupation. The last thing Tetsuo wanted to do was offend her with a presumptuous question, so he hoped that she would not be afraid to speak her opinion on the matter.

[Taunt]

Chiharu followed Tetsuo, mindful of the distance between them. Ido Castle was a maze, every corridor leading into another before branching in either direction. Everything was immaculate; the Aroi clearly took pride in their estate. They eventually turned into a hallway, artwork strung up by the dozen. She took a moment to admire them, pride swelling at the thought of her father’s painting being added. “My father will be pleased,” she said, chuckling. “He was worrying the entire way; it was terrible.”

Tetsuo was easily a head taller than her; she looked up to speak, but quickly lost her nerve, face warm and skin more still, wide-eyed and acutely aware, now, of him. He was beyond her reach, but still, her heart refused to stop, falling further and further. “My father is a painter, yes. And, if I may, his skill is unrivalled, but I know very little about it,” Chiharu said. “We weren’t to learn his trade. Even my brother was kept away.” She frowned. “I feel as though he’s hiding something. He’s a mysterious man; I fear I’ll never understand.”

“I was raised to be a dutiful wife. Though, as a child, I indulged myself in literature. If I may speak frankly, Aroi-sama, I thought it would be my sister, Kaede, that you would court, if it suited you. She is only a year older than I, and far more beautiful; she was awfully upset when I was to accompany mother and father.” She hid her smile behind her sleeve. It was strange how easily she talked to Tetsuo, as if they had known each other far longer than a day. “But I must thank you for entertaining my father’s whim. I know we have nothing to our name, but you’ve done us… me… a great kindness,” she said, dipping her head. She considered what she was about to say, how devilish it was in nature, but then, it was unlike her to be meek—a fact that endlessly aggravated her mother. “Forgive me, but I’d thought you’d be arrogant, like many of the nobility I’ve known, but now I see you are a good and gentle man. I hope that we may, at the very least, continue our friendship, if we are not to wed.”

Hearing someone approach, Chiharu stopped, peering around Tetsuo. It was a different retainer, this time—an older man with a noticeable limp. He bowed respectfully before speaking. “Pardon me, but some refreshments have been prepared. Midori-san will take you when you are ready.” He shuffled aside to reveal a young woman dressed plainly, dark hair brushing her shoulder—Midori-san, she assumed. The girl beamed at Tetsuo: “Aroi-sama. I’ve prepared your favourite tea.”

[Takashi]

Tetsuo was surprised at how quickly Chiharu opened up and began talking about personal matters. Nervous as she appeared to be, she was certainly showing great courage and putting her heart into her familial duties. Tetsuo found this to be an admirable trait, but at the same time it caught him a bit off-guard; he was not used to plunging into such deeply personal conversations so quickly. Yet at the same time, this boldness was wrapped in a shawl of such modesty that he found it impossible not to smile at the balance of virtues. He thought it was strange that not even the male heir would be taught the family trade, especially if Shigeru was as masterful in his craft as Chiharu claimed, but he was not so insolent as to criticize, or even question, something he knew nothing about. Perhaps Shigeru simply had higher aspirations for his children; that much was at least evidenced in his offer for marriage into the Aroi family.

"If we are speaking frankly," Tetsuo said, maintaining the pleasant mood that seemed to be established, "then until this morning I thought I would be receiving the Nakashima family myself, and I was unaware that he had a daughter around my age, doubly unaware of the prospect of marriage. It seems your father is not the only one fond of secrets." He dared a small laugh to show that he meant this as a point of amusement, not of inconvenience. "I can see that you are a kind and loyal woman, and it is good that you show deference to your sibling, but please do not speak so lowly of yourself. Beauty comes in many forms, and I fear that if such self-deprecation continues that I may find my own appreciation of beauty insulted." He looked Chiharu in the eye and smiled as he said this. Perhaps there were some who would be displeased by her small stature, or would complain about the hue of her complexion, but Tetsuo could find no fault there.

"Wedding a suitable spouse is a heavy responsibility for me as a member of the Aroi family," Tetsuo continued. "My father often reminds me that I am but one misfortune away from coming into command of all of our armies, and every decision I make must benefit my family as much as possible. It is a wonder that I am afforded the luxury of choosing my spouse, but this being the case I will say now that it will take a great deal of consideration before I am ready to make that decision. However, to my knowledge I am free to make friends as I please, and I would gladly share your company at every convenience."

Just then, a pair of servants arrived and announced that their tea was ready. "You are punctual as always, Midori-san. So long as Nakashima -san has no objections, I believe we are ready." With that, the two were lead into another room where a table with all the tea-ware was set up and waiting for them. The room was decorated with various Buddhist imagery, and there was an opening in one of the walls that revealed a lush garden filled with numerous flowers, bonsai trees, and a koi pond. Tetsuo was a bit dismayed that the weather seemed to be taking a turn for the worse, but fortunately the opening faced towards the west, so the cold breeze would not disturb their tea. "I hadn't planned for a formal ceremony, so please make yourself comfortable, Nakashima-san," Tetsuo said as he took a seat. "I believe we are in for a treat. The leaves that are used to make this tea are grown by our own groundskeeper, so it is impossible to find a fresher taste. I hope you enjoy it."